Portrait of Cardinal Sembratowicz

Augustynowicz employs chiaroscuro to model the figure, contrasting the illuminated flesh tones with darker background elements. The interplay of light and shadow creates a three‑dimensional presence, while the decorative gold accents on the wall and furnishings reinforce the painting’s sumptuous atmosphere.

Completed in the final decade of the 19th century, the portrait entered the National Museum in Kraków’s holdings shortly after its creation, becoming part of the institution’s effort to document notable Polish personalities of the period.

The work reflects the conventions of ecclesiastical portraiture of its era, where sitters were often depicted in elaborate settings that highlighted both personal status and the wealth of the Church. The inclusion of a book and ornate surroundings aligns with contemporary visual codes for learned clergy.